‘America's Favourite Poet’

Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries, and host of the "Xtravision" podcast Andy McCarroll, discuss the best TV and film of the week, including Celebrity Traitors, House of Dynamite and Mr. Scorsese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cork singer-songwriter Lyra explains why – over 50 years after they formed - Fleetwood Mac are enjoying a resurgence with younger listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to talk through highlights from the Sunday newspapers is political editor with The Irish Independent, Mary Regan; Irish Times columnist and public affairs consultant, Gerard Howlin; Nutriband founder and former presidential hopeful, Gareth Sheridan and Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute, Brigid Laffan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer Michael Harding joins Brendan to discuss death, mental health and the natural world – all themes in his latest novel ‘Midwinter’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Colum McCann, who has worked closely with two grieving fathers, on either side of the Israeli/Palestinian divide, speaks to Brendan about this week’s peace deal in the long-running conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Fulvio talks Brendan through some of her favourite, hearty pasta dishes for Autumn – and answers the age-old question: does the shape of your pasta impact the flavour?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a wide-ranging conversation filled with laughter, agony (or ecstasy) aunts, mother and daughter, Ann and Róisín Ingle, join Brendan to discuss ageing, birthdays and men.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consultant Endocrinologist Professor Mary Ryan tells Brendan about melatonin: what helps the body to produce it naturally, what impact it has, and the side effects of taking it inappropriately.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland and Lions Men’s Rugby Coach Andy Farrell tells Brendan about becoming a teenage father, his own playing career and his evolution to coaching for Ireland and The Lions, marking the publication of his autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins – dubbed ‘America’s favourite poet’ – joins Brendan to reflect on his approach to writing and reads two poems, including one from his latest collection, ‘Dog Show’. Billy will be in Dublin for ‘An evening with Billy Collins’ on 21st October. More details: PoetryIreland.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.